Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program:
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit is studying the endangered Cracking Pearlymussel, a unique species now found in only three river reaches. This 3-4 year research effort combines field surveys, habitat assessments, and population studies to guide species recovery. Working with federal and state partners, researchers are developing monitoring protocols, mapping current distribution, and identifying potential reintroduction sites.